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The Daytona Cubs will remain just that for the next two-years, Cubs. The announcement was made yesterday via the Daytona Beach News Journal. Here are some of the highlights from the article.

Daytona General Manager Bradly Ballard spoke to the excitement of not only being part of the Cubs organization still, but the direction as well.

“We’re very excited to know we’ll begin a third decade of affiliation with the Chicago Cubs,” Daytona general manager Brady Ballard said. “Especially with the Cubs’ renewed emphasis on player development since (team president) Theo Epstein and (general manager) Jed Hoyer joined the organization.”

With the new regime now in charge the Minor League facilities have been under the microscope, and that was evident in Daytona as the Cubs brass weren’t blown away by the facilities.

Although there has been some speculation the Chicago Cubs might look elsewhere, Ballard said he never got any indication the National League club ever considered moving. However, the team had some concerns about improving on-site weight training and fitness facilities for players and cramped clubhouse conditions, Ballard said.

Because of that concern the Daytona facility will be getting some much-needed improvements, and should come out of this as one of the nicer Florida State League ballparks.

Those concerns are addressed in a $1.25 million improvement project for Jackie Robinson Ballpark that goes before the Daytona Beach City Commission on Wednesday night. The proposed improvements that directly affect players and coaching staff include construction of a 750-square-foot weight training/fitness room on the north end of the home clubhouse and converting office space used by Ballard and his staff to additional locker and office space for the baseball team’s manager, coaches and roving coaches.

“Having a weight room is a must for a professional baseball team,” Ballard said. “What we’ve been using is essentially a 12-by-12-foot room that can’t fit more than two or three guys working out. Having a real weight room here will allow the players to get their workouts in before having lunch or to work out after the game.”

Jason McLeod issued a statement about the extension as well.

“The (Chicago) Cubs are pleased to extend our relationship with Daytona for at least two more years, and to continue a partnership that dates to 1993,” said Jason McLeod, senior vice president for scouting and player development. “The Daytona franchise and (its) great fans have always been tremendous supporters of our players and of the Cubs organization.”

Definitely good news coming out of Daytona heading into next year, now if they could just do something about those rain outs…

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